OUT launches free key populations clinic in Pretoria
In a groundbreaking move, OUT LGBT Well-being, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, is launching South Africa’s very first government-funded HIV and TB health clinic specifically for key population groups.
Located in Hatfield, Tshwane, the centre will provide free HIV, TB, sexual health and other services uniquely tailored to the needs of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, MSM (Men who have Sex with Men), sex workers and injecting drug users.
These communities are recognised as being amongst the “most at risk” of infection and living with HIV and TB. According to South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2012-2016), “targeting this group is critical to a successful HIV response.”
OUT Director Dawie Nel explains: “Because of social stigma, criminalisation and the very real fear of discrimination, members of these communities are often wary of approaching mainstream health service providers.”
“At the Ten81 Centre they are assured of professional health services, confidentially and a warm and understanding welcome. They won’t be judged and can feel safe being whoever they are.”
He adds: “We applaud the Gauteng Department of Health for its commitment to providing appropriate services to all of the province’s citizens, including its most marginalised.”
The Ten81 Centre, located at OUT’s offices, a short walk from the Hatfield Gautrain Station, will offer two full time nurses and an in-clinic doctor once a week.
All services are free and include:
• Provision of ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy)
• Provision of PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis)
• Viral load monitoring and general HIV management
• STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) screening and treatment
• TB screening and treatment
• Clean needles and wound care
• Overdose prevention
• Psychosocial Counselling and support
Office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 012 430 3272.
Applause! Applause! When will Cape Town have such a clinic? Come now WC Dept of Health! When / where is PEP available – and is it free? The “at risk” community needs this! This is the first time I read / become aware that this drug / treatment is available in SA. Most don’t even know what it is? Where is the awareness campaign? Why don’t the “at risk” community know about this – nationally?
@Geraldo – Cape Town HAS such a clinic, the first of its kind in SA! Health4Men started the first needle exchange programme in SA and provides comprehensive free health services for gay and bi men, 5 days a week, including PEP. They launched a massive new national campaign, sponsored by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, last night: WeTheBraveSA. Another first.
Hi Geraldo, Health4Men has been providing all these services in Cape Town at the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health in Woodstock since 2009. PEP is available and it is free. We are currently running a PEP study. As part of that study we are asking MSM what they know about PEP to help us ensure that our programmes are relevant to the needs of this particular key population group. Here’s the link to the online survey: http://h4msurvey.limequery.com/261152. Health4Men was also running a two year long Harm Reduction Programme for recreational drug users. One of the services provided was a needle exchange programme. This Harm Reduction Programme was widely publicised in the gay media and in bars and clubs. Indeed, it caused some hot debate on mambonline itself. Unfortunately, the programme ended in October last year, but Harm Reduction is fully integrated into our other programmes. Well done to OUT Wellbeing for provided another wonderful service in Gauteng to people who need it. The more the merrier!
Hi
Is there any after hours / weekend facilities one can go to if you cannot make it to the specified clinic during the week?